Syrian state TV said Friday that the army regained control of the restive Midan neighborhood of the capital Damascus, "cleaning it completely" of the armed "terrorist" groups.

The clashes in Midan in addition to several southern districts started on Sunday, when armed rebels Free Syria Army announced the commencement of the "great battle of Damascus" that aimed at bringing down the regime stronghold.

Activists, meanwhile, said that the rebels withdrew from Midan to save the civilians from being killed due to the severity of clashes and the army shelling of the neighborhood.

Hundreds have been reported killed over the past days in the intense clashes.